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How to Install and Run n8n Locally with Docker

September 10, 2026 · 3 min read · randima.test
Docker Tutorial

How to Set Up n8n Locally with Docker

Learn how to install, configure and run n8n locally using Docker Compose.

Difficulty Beginner
Requirements Docker Desktop
Local URL localhost:5678

Introduction

n8n is a powerful workflow automation platform that can be run locally using Docker.

Running n8n locally provides a convenient environment for development, testing and automation experiments.

01

What Is n8n?

n8n is a workflow automation platform that allows applications and services to communicate with each other through automated workflows.

💡
Why run n8n locally?

Local deployment provides a useful environment for development, testing and learning without depending on a hosted n8n instance.

02

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure Docker is installed and running on your computer.

  • Docker Desktop installed
  • Docker Compose available
  • A terminal such as PowerShell, Command Prompt or Bash
03

How the Setup Works

Docker runs n8n inside a container while a persistent volume stores your n8n data.

💻

Your Computer

Runs Docker Desktop.

→
🐳

Docker

Runs the n8n container.

→
⚡

n8n

Provides the workflow automation interface.

04

Create the Project Folder

Create a dedicated directory for the n8n Docker configuration. 

mkdir n8n
cd n8n
05

Create Docker Compose Configuration

Create a file named docker-compose.yml. 

services:
  n8n:
    image: docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n
    ports:
      - "5678:5678"
    volumes:
      - n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n

volumes:
  n8n_data:
!
Important

The Docker volume ensures that your n8n configuration and workflow data persist when the container is recreated.

06

Start n8n

From the project directory, run: 

docker compose up -d

Docker will download the required image and start the n8n container.

07

Open n8n

Open the following address in your browser:

http://localhost:5678
✓
n8n is ready

If the n8n interface appears in your browser, the Docker installation is working correctly.

08

Create Your First Workflow

1

Open n8n

Open the n8n dashboard in your browser.

2

Create a workflow

Create a new workflow from the dashboard.

3

Add nodes

Add a trigger and one or more actions.

09

Useful Docker Commands

docker compose ps Check running containers.
docker compose logs -f View n8n logs.
docker compose stop Stop the containers.
docker compose start Start the containers again.
docker compose down Stop and remove the containers.
10

Update n8n

Pull the latest image and recreate the container: 

docker compose pull
docker compose up -d
11

Where Is n8n Data Stored?

The Docker Compose configuration uses a named volume for persistent n8n data. 

n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n

This allows workflows and configuration to remain available when the container is restarted.

12

Troubleshooting

Port 5678 is already in use 

docker compose ps

Check whether another service is already using port 5678.

Container is not running 

docker compose logs

Review the container logs for the specific error.

13

What Can You Build Next?

Once n8n is running locally, you can start building automation workflows that connect APIs, applications and services.

  • API automation
  • AI workflows
  • Email automation
  • Webhook workflows
  • Database automation
Ready to automate?

n8n Is Ready to Automate

Your local n8n environment is now ready. Start experimenting with workflows and build your own automation system.

Open n8n →
Keep reading

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